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Aptavani-4
Opinions Worth Welcoming!
There is nothing wrong with enjoying something, but you
should not form an opinion about it. You should not even have
an opinion like, ‘I do not have a problem now’. Even if you
happen to lie, there is no problem with that, but your opinion
should be to tell only the truth.
There is no problem with abrahmacharya (sexuality), but
you should not have an opinion about it. The opinion should only
be for brahmacharya (absolutely free from any sexual impulses
of the mind, speech and body). The opinion to have is, “this
body is a betrayal (dago).” Any kind of opinion increases the
burden. Whatever the opinion, with it comes a burden!
If you have an opinion about someone, he will have one
about you. If you get rid of your opinion, then his opinion will
also go away on its own.
The Nature of an Opinion
Questioner: Is opinion the pratishthit ahamkar (instilled
ego)?
Dadashri: Yes. Opinion is made up of subatomic
particles (parmanus) of the ego. Opinions show individuality.
One’s vision completely changes through opinion.
There is no problem with opinions that are ‘lifeless’ and
when they do not tug, as these can be dealt with quickly. But
opinions backed by insistence, create a shroud of ignorance
over one’s knowledge.
Opinions About Human Beings
There is not much harm in forming an opinion about non-
living things (jada); you will not have much difficulty in getting rid
of it. But I caution you about forming opinions about
mishrachetan (power chetan; human beings).